Introduction. Recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS) is a relatively common oral
mucosal lesion of unclear etiology. It occurs in otherwise healthy people,
but also in various infectious and non-infectious diseases, including celiac
disease (CD). We present an obese adolescent with RAS as the only clinical
sign of CD. Case outline. Adolescent aged 15 2/12 years come with very
pronounced RAS in the last 5 months. He had no other difficulties. Obese
from the age of 12. Other data without peculiarities. On admission, 165 cm
tall (P25), obese (BMI 27 kg/m2), in the final stage of puberty, with
stretch marks in the distal areas of the abdomen, thighs and gluteus and
very pronounced pain-sensitive aphthae in the buccal and labial mucosa
accompanied by swelling of the lips and perioral region. Except for lower
serum iron levels (8 ?mol/l), routine laboratory blood tests were within the
reference range. The serological test for CD was positive (antibodies to
tissue transglutaminase IgA 78.5 U/ml, anti-endomysial antibodies IgA
positive). Endoiscopy revealed reflux esophagitis, without any other
pathological findings. Stereomicroscopic and pathohistological analysis of
the duodenal mucosa samples showed mild destructive enteropathy (Marsh
IIIa). Pathohistological examination of the gastric mucosa revealed grade
I-II lymphocytic gastritis. The urease test for Helicobacter pylori was
negative. A gluten-free diet resulted in the withdrawal of aphthous
stomatitis and no recurrence later. Conclusion. Within the
differential-diagnostic analysis of the RAS causes CB should be considered
as well. Additionally, obesity does not exclude the presence of the CB.